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Volvo 240 vs. 80s Mercedes 240D or 300D

uid 17059's pic
posted by  Pancho Urbano on  Sat Apr 23 05:14 CST 2005
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last visit: Thu Aug 16 23:53 CST 2012
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I'm a big 240 fan (ruggedness, servicability, utilitiarian design, etc), and the old Mercedes diesels have begun to catch my eye. I have some bio-diesel fantasies - but for now I am just looking at them and considering picking one up. Does anyone have thoughts on how the cars compare - especially in terms of problems creeping up? Anything particularly to look for? Anything to avoid? They remind me of what a mechanic once said about the 240- a tractor engine with a cam shaft. Are these cars really as rugged and long lasting as I've heard? Should one with a rebuilt engine raise concerns or interest?

Any advice would be appreciated. With around 100K, our 240s run like new and we've had NO problems (with help from this board and preventive maintenance). The Mercedes just look like an affordable way to get into diesel a little.

Thanks.
-pu
--
((1993 245 Classic, 100K)) ((1992 244, 110K)) ((1987 245, 271K - RIP)) San Diego








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    Volvo 240 vs. 80s Mercedes 240D or 300D

    posted by  mudduck on  Sat Apr 23 21:39 CST 2005
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    After driving Volvos for several years I fel into a deal on a pristine 1981 240 diesel...it is a tad ironic that the "240" model designation also signifies the utilitarian work horse in the Mercedes line up as well.

    2 Things stand out imediatly...1 The mercedes is an EXTREAMLY well made car. 2 It is not the luxury ride that i was expecting...no power seats or windows..Cruise controls are problomatic...vacume door locks and trans controls can be a problem...

    pros well made ..diesel..status...resale value???
    Cons...SLOW...want to make your N/A Volve feel like a hot rod...drive the MB Diesel for a couple of days. noisey and viberation levels are a bit high for long trips (keep in mind Cadillacs were my car of choice pre volvo)

    As far as will it last as long?? after driving the mercedes 2 or 3 days a week for nearly a year...and doing MASS amounts of research I would confidently say yes! the general consensous seems to be that well maintained it should go 500,000 mile with out any major problems.

    The story I hear is that the MB 240 was designed to provide staff transport for dignitarys and personal in countries where maintaince both vehicle and road would be poor and as an entry level mercedes...low cost, few repairs...not sure how true that is but it certianly would fit the bill.

    Long story short...(I know too late) I love the mercedes and the class and status that go with it...it has been almost totally trouble free for a year with aprox 160,000 miles on it and feels like 200,000 more will not be a problem...I have had caddys lincolns and New yorkers that are not nearly as well made...not even close...but every day driving and or in a hurry...I still prefer my 240's...not sure why...
    --
    rust free in west Texas








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